Vol. 20, No. 28 | July 13 - 19, 2015 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

July 13 - 19, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 28 | Php 12.00/copy  balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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BIR operatives seize illegal SM Malls staged cigarettes in Batangas City; Green Film gasoline dealer, charged Festival >>>BUSINESS....P/6

>>>F.E.S.T....P/8

Living beyond our means >>>OPINION....P/4

READ FULL STORY ON

p. 2

PROMPT ACTION. Tanauan City mayor Thony Halili inspects the rice being sold in public markets following complaints of alleged fake rice stocks bought by a townfolk.. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“Shell’s Batangas refinery upgrade on track” - Chua THE Batangas City Rescue Team composed of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philipine National Police (PNP) rescued Domingo Llarina, 63 yrs. Old, and resident of Purok 7. Brgy. Balagtas who fell from a forested area into a creek in brgy. Soro-soro Karsada. The incident was reported to the CDRRMO at about 6:20 a.m., July 7. The rescue team immediately conducted a rope rescue operation, and brought Llarina to Batangas Medical Center. Batangas City PNP is conducting a follow up investigation of the incident.| PALAKAT PHOTO

PILIPINAS Shell is on track with the upgrade of its refinery in Batangas in time for the full implementation of the Euro 4 standard in January next year. Pilipinas Shell country presi-

dent Ed Chua said they are on schedule with the Batangas refinery upgrade, and that this could be completed before the end of the year.

>>>ENERGY....turn to P/6

JULY 13 - 19, 2015

NEWS

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Mga programa kontra sunog, paiigtingin ng bagong BFP chief

BFP chief Senior Inspector Glen Salazar

LUNSOD BATANGAS – Sa unang linggo pa lang ng panunungkulan ng bagong Officer-in-Charge ng Bureau of Protection sa Batangas City na si Senior Inspector Glen Salazar, ay nagsagawa na siya ng inspeksyon ng mga establisyimento rito upang malaman kung ang mga ito ay tumutupad sa Fire Code of the Philippines. Tubong Sto. Tomas, Batangas, naglingkod si Salazar bilang Head Executive Assistant at Chief of Staff ng Deputy Chief for Operations sa Rehiyon at naging Deputy Officer ni Col. Tradio na sumasailalim ngayon sa Senior Executive Course. Kadarating lang ni Salazar mula sa Hanoi, Vietnam kung saan siya ang naging kinatawan ng BFP sa Southeast Asian Urban Fire Planning. Magiging madali aniya para sa kanya ang pagpapatuloy ng mga

programang sinimulan ni Tradio dahil nakalatag na ang mga programa nito. Palalakasin din ang pakikipagugnayan sa barangay sapagkat ang mga ito aniya ang nasa first line of defense sa tuwing may sakuna or kalamidad. Isasailalim naman ang mga volunteer groups sa refresher training sa fire fighting, rescue at fire prevention bago ideploy sa mga barangay. Malaking tulong aniya ang mga ito sa kakulangan ng mga bumbero sa bansa. Sa kasalukuyan ay may 26 uniformed personnel at 22 volunteers sa lunsod. Pagtutuunan din ng pansin ang ibayong education campaign sa fire prevention at ang patuloy na fire at earthquake drill sa iba’t ibang sektor ng komunidad.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS

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Bigas sa Tanauan, ligtas kainin! - NFA 

JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

TIYAK nang ligtas kainin ang mga itinitindang bigas sa mga pamilihang bayan ng Lunsod ng Tanauan, maging ang mga may tatak na gaya ng naunang napabalitang pekeng bigas nitong nakalipas na linggo. Ito ang tiniyak ng tanggapan ni Pununlunsod Antonio Halili kasunod ng ipinalabas na resulta ng pagsusuri ng National Food Authority (NFA) sa mga rice samples na isinumite matapos maiulat na may mga nagkasakit bunga ng pagkonsumo ng umano’y pekeng bigas. “Ang bigas po na may tatak na JM ay tunay na commercial rice ayon sa resulta ng test na isinagawa ng NFA. Pwede na po itong ipagbili sa ating pamilihang bayan. Ginawa lang po ni Mayor Thony C. Halili ang tamang hakbang para masigurado na tunay at walang halong ibang kemikal ang bigas, gaya ng reklamo ng ating mga kababayan. Nais lang po ni Mayor Thony C. Halili na pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng kanyang mga kababayan,” saad sa patalastas ng pamahalaang lunsod. “Pero pano po ipapaliwanag na ung bigas ay nalusaw na parang plastik, sana po ay hindi nilalahukan ng mga rice retailer ang mga bigas na legitimo. Napakahirap po sa isang mamimili na ito ay kanyang masuri agad dahil ayon sa mga naunang balita ang pekeng bigas ay halos walang ipinagkaiba sa natural na bigas,” pahayag ng isang Jetsky Mendoza sa facebook account ng Pamahalaang Lunsod ng Tanauan. Inirekomenda naman ng isang residente na masinsinan pang ipasuri ang naturang bigas. “Mas maganda po sana dalhin nyo at ipatest sa BFAD ang samples for chemical analysis for plastic or other chemical contents. Physical at sensory analysis lang po kasi ginawa ng NFA,” pahayag ni Emanuel Noel Francisco. Nitong nakalipas na linggo, personal na nilibot ni Mayor Halili ang buong pamilihang bayan ng Tanauan, kasama ang ilang tauhan ng munisipyo, upang siyasatin ang mga tindahan ng bigas at alamin ang katotohanan ukol sa napaulat na pekeng bigas na ibinebenta rito.

Nabahala ang alkalde dahil sa ulat ng isang kababayan na ang bigas na nabili nya ay may lahok na naging dahilan ng pagkakasakit ng kanyang anak. Dahil ditto ay kaagad na inutusan ni Halili ang kanyang mga Staff na alamin at suriin ang bigas kung totoo nga ba na may halo itong ibang bagay bukod sa bigas. Matapos na sunugin sa isang foil ang pinagdududahang kakaibang halo sa bigas ay napatunayang ito ay parang plastic sapagkat ay nalusaw at nabuo na parang plastic at ito ay nangitim. Kasama ang mga kapulisan sa pamumuno ni PSupt Christopher Olazo, pinuntahan agad nina Mayor Halili ang mga tindahan ng bigas at ipinag-utos nya sa mga nagtitinda na huwag munang ibenta ang mga bigas na may tatak na JM ang sako. Halos lahat umanong mga tindahan ay mayroong tindang ganoong klase ng bigas kung kaya agad ay ipinaalis nya sa palengke ang mga ganoong klase ng bigas at agad namang sumunod ang mga magbibigas sa palengke. Nagbigay ng babala pa si Mayor Halili na kakanselahin niya ang mga Mayor’s Permit ng sinumang mahuhuli na magbebenta ng bigas na may tatak na JM. Nagpadala rin sa BFAD ng bigas na nakuha upang matiyak kung anong klase ang napahalo sa bigas. Mahigpit ring ipinag-utos ni Mayor Halili ang tuluytuloy na monitoring sa mga nagtitinda ng bigas sa mga kinauukulan upang walang makalusot na pekeng bigas sa lunsod. Kasunod nito, nagtungo na rin sa tanggapan ni Mayor Halili ang mga opisyales at mga Investigation Team ng NFA-Batangas sa pamumuno ni General Manager Roberto C. Gonzales. Ipinangako ni Gonzales na gagawin nila ang masusi at maingat na Imbestigasyon para sa kapakanan ng lahat ng mamamayan. Matapos ang pagsusuri, napatunayang negatibo sa mga nakalalasong kemikal ang naturang mga bigas at maaaring nahaluan lamang ang kontrobersyal na bigas. Tiniyak rin ng pangaiswaan ng JM Milling na ligtas ang kanilang mga ibinebentang bigas sapagkat sa mga lokal na magsasaka nila binibili ang mga palay na maingat namang ginigiling sa kanilang milling factory.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

NAGTUNGO na rin sa tanggapan ni Mayor Halili ang mga opisyales at mga Investigation Team ng NFABatangas sa pamumuno ni General Manager Roberto C. Gonzales. Ipinangako ni Gonzales na gagawin nila ang masusi at maingat na Imbestigasyon para sa kapakanan ng lahat ng mamamayan.|

Inter-Island News Pagawaan ng kandila sa M’duque, pinalakas ng teknolohiya ang kita LUNGSOD QUEZON — Sa tulong ng teknolohiya, natulungan ang isang samahan na gumagawa ng kandila sa Sta. Cruz, Marinduque upang madagdagan ang kita sa negosyo. Dati-rati, ang Batayang Pamayanang Kristiyano (BKP) Holy Cross Parish Chapter ay nakakagawa ng limang daang piraso ng kandila sa loob ng isang buwan at iisang parokya lang ang kanilang napagsisilbihan. Kada buwan, aabot lang sa Php 10,000 ang kita ng BKP na nagsimula ng kanilang operasyon noong 2011. Subalit makaraang matulungan ng Provincial Science and Technology Center – Marinduque at ng Department of Science and Technology – Mimaropa, ang BKP ay naging benipisyaryo ng Grants in Aids Fund at nakabili ng votive candle moulding machine noong 2013. Mula sa dating 500 pirasong kandila kada buwan, umakyat sa 4,752 piraso ang nagagawa ng BKP at ang kita nila ay naging Php 18,500 kada buwan mula sa dating Php10,000. Ang BKP na rin ang naging pangunahing supplier ng kandila sa may 14 na parokya sa buong lalawigan.| ...........................................................................................................................

Binhi ng palay sa San Jose, nabili sa kalahating presyo SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro – Umabot sa 8,000 bags ng certified seeds ang nabibili ng mga magsasaka ng San Jose sa kalahati nitong presyo. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Subsidized Certified Seeds Distribution Program (CSDP) ng pamahalaang bayan (LGU) ng San Jose, sa impementasyon ng Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO). Sa programang ito ay nabibili ng mga magsasaka sa halagang P680 ang isang bag ng certified seeds na sasapat upang mataniman ang isang ektarayang lupa. “Ibinibigay na namin kung ano ang dami ng pangangailangan ng aming magsasaka, kung pitong ektarya, pitong bags ang mabibili niya”, paliwanag ni OIC MAO Iny Lourdes Peroy. Ang CDSP ay isa lamang sa mga programa ng LGU San Jose bilang ayuda sa mga magsasaka nito. “Ito ay counterparting at ang pondo ng LGU dito ay P6.8 milyon”, ayon kay Peroy. Ipinaliwanag din ng Municipal Agriculturist na tanging mga magsasakang nakatala sa kanilang master list maaring makinabang ng naturang programa. Samantala ay katatapos lamang mamahagi ng 7, 000 mango seedlings ang tanggapan ng MAO San Jose. “Ang mga ito ay carabao grafted variety sa ilalim ng BUB (bottom-up budgeting) ng Department of Agriculture (DA)”, ayon kay Peroy.| ...........................................................................................................................

ANG BATANGAS UNA SA PEACE & ORDER. Tinanggap ni

Batangas Congressman Raneo Abu si PSupt. Danny Mendoza, ang bagong talagang Officer-in-Charge ng Batangas City PNP ........................................................................................................................... noong mag-courtesy call sa mambabatas ang huli kamakailan. Pinag-usapan ng dalawa ang Peace & Order programs para sa Lunsod ng Batangas.| TMA

Libreng binhi ng palay, ipinamamahagi ng LGU-Romblon

ROMBLON, Romblon — Ayon kay Gobernador Eduardo Firmalo, maaaring humingi ng libreng binhi ng palay ang mga magsasaka sa tanggapan ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Mayroon ding programa sa palayan ang Department of Agriculture kung saan makabibili rin ng murang binhi ang mga magsasaka upang makapatanim na ang mga ito sa kanilang bukirin. Hinikayat ng gobernador ang mga magsasaka sa Romblon na magsimula nang magtanim ng palay at mga gulay ngayong nakararanas na ng pag-ulan ang iba’t ibang lugar sa lalawigan. Ito ay upang pagsapit ng buwan ng Setyembre at Oktubre ay makakapag-ani na ng produkto ang mga magsasaka, ayon sa punong lalawigan. Nais din ng pamahalaang lokal na magtanim ng mas maraming gulay, palay at mga bungang kahoy upang magkaroon ng sapat na suplay nito sa merkado pagdating ng huling quarter ng taon. Ayon kay Firmalo, nais niyang masiguro na sapat ang bigas at mga gulay sa mga palengke pagsapit ng tag-ulan upang hindi na kailangan pang umangkat ang mga negosyante sa mga karatig lalawigan.|

JULY 13 - 19, 2015

NEWS

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Balasahan ng mga hepe ng pulisya sa lalawigan, nagsimula na BINALASA na ng panlalawigang liderato ng pulisya ang mga hepe ng ilang local police stations sa Lalawigan ng Batangas nitong nakalipas na linggo. Batay sa pabatid na ipinalabas ng tanggapan ni PNP Batangas Provincial Director, PSSupt. Omega Jireh Fidel, ang pagbalasa sa ilang hepe ay alinsunod sa itinatadhana ng Republic Act 8551 na nagtatakda ng maximum tenure ng hep eng pulisya sa isang bayan o lunsod, o

kaya naman ay dahil sa hindi maayos na performance batay sa SOP Lambat-Sibat. Narito ang ilan sa mga nagging paggalaw ng pwesto: Si PCInsp Telesforo G. Domingo III ay inalis bilang hep eng Rosario Municipal Police Station (MPS) at inilipat sa Lipa City PS; pinalitan siya bilang hepe ni PCInsp. Oliver B. Ebora na dating hepe ng San Jose MPS. Ipinalit naman bilang hepeng San Jose MPS si PCInsp Ferdinand B. Ancheta na dating Deputy Chief

Turn-over of Responsibility. Pinamunuan ni PSSupt. Omega

ng Lipa City PS. Tinanggal na rin bilang mga hepe sina PSInsp John G. Rellian ng Lian MPS at PSInsp Gaudencio C. Aguilera ng Malvar MPS. Kapwa sila inilipat na sa Tanauan City PS. Ipinalit naman ay Aguilera bilang hepe ng Malvar si PSInsp Alberto F. Fabregas na dating nasa Provincial Headquarters sa Batangas Provincial Police Office (BPPO). Ipinalit naman kay Rellian si PSInsp Philip T. Aguilar na dating Deputy Chief sa Tanauan City PS Tinanggal na din sina PSInsp Allan A. De Castro bilang hepe ng Taal MPS, at PSInsp Alfredo E. Lorin Jr. bilang hepe ng Mataasnakahoy MPS. Kapwa sila itinalaga sa Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) na nakabase sa BPPO. Ipinalit kay De Castro bilang hep eng Taal si PSInsp Apolinario I. Lunar na dating nasa PPSC, samanatalang ipinalit naman kay Lorin Jr. Si PSinsp Emil O. Mendoza na dating hep eng Operations Group ng Lipa City PS. Personal na pinamunuan ni Provincial Director Fidel ang naturang balasahan na sinaksihan ni Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, PSupt. Isagani A. Fetizanan at ng Commanding Officer ng BPPSC, PSupt. Manuel J. Abrugena.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

Jireh Fidel, Batangas Provincial Director, ang paglilipat ng responsibilidad at kapangyarihan ng mga hepe ng pulisya sa ilang bayan sa Lalawigan ng Batangas.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO ...............................................................................................................................................

4-storey gusali sa Lian, nasunog; 4 patay; 7 iba pa ang sugatan LIAN, Batangas – Apat (4) ang namatay samantalang tumakas ng mga biktima sa nagliliyab na gusali gamit anim (6) na iba pa ang malubhang nasugatan nang ang fire escape ladder sa gilid ng gusapi ngunit sumiklab ang apoy sa Triple J Grocery Store sa D. Limon sinawimpalad ang biktinang si Analyn C. Jonson nang Street, Brgy. 2 sa bayang ito, bandang alas-4:00 ng mapatama ang ulo nito sa matigas na bagay nang madaling-araw noong Miyerkules, Hulyo 8. tumalon siya mula sa 2nd floor ng gusali. Dead on arrival Matapos umanong makatanggap ng wag sa telepono, ang ginang sa pinagdalhang ospital. kaagad na nagtungo sa nasusunog na gusali ang grupo Nagpumilit namang bumaba sa hagdan ang ni PSInsp Philip T. Aguilar, Officer-In-Charge kasama biktimang si Milagros D. Jonson ngunit dahil sa makasina PO3 Junell John Hernandez at PO3 Marco Antonio pal na usok at init, nasa estado ng comatose ang biktima Villafria at ang patrol team sa pamumuno ni SPO2 Ranie at inilipat na sa Western Batangas Medical Center sa Ebora upang matiyak ang seguridad at maiwasan ang bayan ng Balayan, Batangas, ngunit sumakabilangbukay din ito makalipas ang 24 na oras pa. pananamantala ng mga kawatan. Batay sa ulat ng joint investigation na isinagawa ng Pasado alas-9:00 na ng umaga ng maideklarang Lian Municipal Police Station at ng Bureau of Fire fire out ang gusali ng BFP ground commander na si Protection, nagsimulang sumiklab ang apoy sa grocery FSInsp Emmanuel Ricafort. area sa unang palapag ng naturang gusali bunsod ng Pinaniniwalaan namang dahil sa pagka-suffocate sabat-sabat at di ligtas na linya ng kuryente at mabilis sa makapal na usok, hindi na nakababa pa sa gusali na gumapang ang apoy hanggang makarating sa ika- ang magkapatid na Lovely at Jaycee Batuto kaya din apat na palapag ng gusali. na nakababasa gusali at naging sanhi ng kanilang JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS Kinilala ng otoridad ang mga biktimang sina – ang pagkamatay.| may-ari ng gusali na si Hernando Jonson y Dellupac, 49, may-asawa, negosyante; Herlyn Grace Jonson y Caña, 21, dalaga -- pawang mga residente ng D Limon Street, Barangay 2, Lian Batangas; Milagros Jonson y Dellupac, 75, may-asawa, jobless, residente ng M. Lejano Street, Brgy. 1; mga stay-in employee ng Triple J Merchandise na sina Raquel Isona y Andino, 27, may-asawa, sales lady; Irene Cabrerra y Bathan, 30, dalaga, secretary; Christi Labajo y Macasling, 23, dalaga, kahera; at Alice Gamez y Dellamas, 25, dalaga, checker; Analyna Jonson y Caña, 50, may-asawa; magkapatid na Lovely, 12, at Jaycee Batuto y Bacalzo, 9, Grade 7 at 4 pawang mga residente ng D. Limon Street, Barangay 2, Lian Batangas. Kaagad namang naisugod sa Apacible Memorial District Hospital at Sitio Sambat, Barangay Lumbangan, Nasugbu, Batangas ang mga biktima. Nabatid pa sinikap Faulty electrical wiring ang itinuturong dahilan ng sunog dito.|

ISa lamang ito sa 31 bagong mobile vehicles na tinanggap ng kapulisan ng Batangas mula sa pamahalaang nasyunal.|

31 bagong patrol vehicles, ipinamahagi sa Batangas PINANGUNAHAN ni Secretary Mar Roxas ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang turn-over ng 31 patrol vehicles (Mahindra) sa Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) sa isnag seremonya sa Provincial Auditorium, Batangas Capitol, Hulyo 10. Mainit naming tinanggap ni Governor Vilma Santos-Recto ang mga nagsidalong opsyal ng pmahalaang nasyunal at lokal. Lubos na pinasalamatan ng gobernadora ang kalihim sa umano’y malaking tulong sa pagpapanatili ng peace and order sa lalawigan na tumutugma naman sa HEARTS (Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads, Tourism, and Security) program ng kaniyang administrasyon. Si Police Chief Superintendent Richard A. Albano, Regional Director, PRO CALABARZON ang nagpakilala sa kalihim bilang Guest of Honor and Speaker sa pagkilala sa mga magiging na pulisya sa Lambat SIbat . Mismong mga punumbayan at hep eng pulisya sa bawat munisipyo ang tumanggap ng mga ansabing patrol vehicles. Bago ang mismong turn-over, isinagawa mun ang pagbeben-disyon sa mga patrol vehicles sa pamumuno ni Rev. Ronie B. Arong, Regional Chaplain, PRO 4A.| DHALENZ R. LANDICHO

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2 katao, nasawi sa pagbagsak ng isang helicopter sa Batangas CUENCA, Batangas – DALAWANG katao ang nasawi kabilang ang isang piloto, samantalang sugatan ang anim na iba pang pasahero nang bumagsak ang isang helicopter sa kakahuyang bahagi ng Bundok Makulot Barangay Pinagkaisahan sa bayang ito noong Linggo, Hulyo 7. Kaagad na binawiian ng buhay si Felicisimo Esteban Tabor-lupa Jr., piloto ng Augusta 109E helicopter na may registry number na RP-C2726 ng Malate Tourist Dev’t Corp. Binawiian naman ng buhay habang ginagamot sa Marasigan Memorial District Hospital sa bayang ito si Archimedes “Archie” Rosario King, 62, may-ari ng Victoria Court chain of motels sa Kalakhang Maynila at anak ng Chinese-Filipino billionaire na Sugatan naman ang iba pang mga pasehro ng sawimpalad na helicopter – ang asawa na King na si Ling-ling King; Inquirer Lifestyle columnist Anton San Diego; ang kilalang bag designer na si Tina Maristela Ocampo aat ang kaniyang asawang fashion retail businessman na si Ricco; si Standard Insurance CEO Patricia Chilip at asawang Christopher na may-ari ng Dunlop tire distribution company. Noong Linggo ring iyon, inilipat na sa St. Luke’s Medical Center sa Taguig City ang mga sugatang biktima. Ayon sa Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) nagpumilit bumiyahe pabalik ng Maynila ang nasawing helicopter mula Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro noong Linggo ng umaga. Sinabi naman ni Senior Inspector Joel Laraya, hepe ng Cuenca PNP, na maaaring ang masamang lagay ng panahon ang naging dahilan ng pagbagsak ng naturang helicopter bunsod na rin ng bagyong Egay. Inaalam pa rin ng pulisya kung may clearance ang naturang helicopter para magbiyahe ng araw na iyon. Ayon pa kay Laraya, ang crash site ay nasa 2.5 kilometrong layo sa kabayanan at mangilan-ngilan lamang residente ang aktwal na nakakita sa pagbagsak ng helicopter. Kapag maganda ang lagay ng panahon, aabutin ng halos kalahating oras bago marating ang crash site. Sinabi pa ni Laraya na matapos ipabatid sa pulisya ng punum-barangay ang ulat mga nakasaksing residente, kaagad na kumilos ang pulisya at humingi ng tulong sa publiko. Kaagad ding nagpadala ng mga volunteer ang Philippine Red Cross. Aniya, wasak na wasak ang naturang helicopter ngunit nagtalaga naman ng tauhan ang pulisya upang matiyak ang seguridad sa crash site.|

FILE PHOTO. Ang isa sa mga biktima ng crash, si Archimedes “Archie” Rosario King.

Be a part in shaping public opinion. Email your comments/reactions to: balikasonline@yahoo.com JULY 13 - 19, 2015

OPINION

I, OF COURSE, was pained when I learned about the US Supreme Court decision on the so-called “same-sex marriage” (SSM). But as I started going through the pertinent articles, including parts of the decision, sorry, but I started also getting more amused than pained. I am now more convinced that this so- called landmark event will not take off and fly. It may appear as a big, whopping success to those who favor it, but that victory can only be at best Pyrrhic and very subjective, vibrant only in the mind and heart of its supporters. It’s a victory in fantasy land. Why so? Simply because it is mainly based on the very flimsy argument of “equality,” “equal protection,” “equal right.” It is like saying that any opinion, position, prefer- ence, view, lifestyle, sexual orientation, etc., do have the same moment and value. Equality here is taken to mean unifor- mity, and the tolerance that it is expected to foster is completely detached from any objective standard outside of a purely subjective one. In this regard, no one talks anymore about what is right and wrong, what is natural and unnatural. It simply depends on a subjective ground that can gain some weight if a consensus of some sort is achieved. If a couple of the same sex wants to live together, they are always free to do so. I am not aware of any law prohibiting them to do so, nor throwing them into prison, except perhaps in some ultra-conservative countries. But it’s another story when with its le- galization, its proponents start to redefine marriage, altering the nature of marriage, and nullifying what US Chief Justice John Roberts as the “millennia” behind the institution of marriage understood as between one man and one woman. These are his words: “The court invali- dates the marriage laws of more than half the states and orders the transformation of a social institution that has formed the basis of human society for millennia, for the Kalahari Bushmen and the Han Chinese, the Carthaginians and the Aztecs…Just who do we think we are?” I completely agree with him when he said: “If you are among the many Americans—of whatever sexual orientation—who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.” And if I may add, much less has it anything to do with the nature of marriage. Marriage is not a political animal that can be defined simply by a certain consensus of the people. It’s about a lifelong commitment of love, of total self-giving that involves the use of the body, i.e., sex. It has its own nature and law, quite independent of how we understand it. As such it has to be stable and indissolu- ble until death, exclusive, between one man and one woman, and always open to life. A love that involves sex has these properties. And since we are humans who are free, it is a love that requires them. Conjugal love is not just for plea- sure. It is procreative or open to life, because that is the very nature of sex, irrespective of whether the recourse to the conjugal act results in procreation or not. The love that underlies those in the side of #LoveWins, which in turn underlies that Supreme Court decision, is a love detached from natural law. It’s a love that can go in any which way, a love that can include the expression of human sexuality that has gone berserk, that is perverted. It’s with that frame of mind that another group, for example, is claiming that pedophilia is natural to men since they are always attracted to young people. And so we will hear more of all sorts of so-called natural and human rights that for millennia have been considered unnatural and inhuman. I wonder what would be next. Of course, divorce and abortion have already long been legalized. All kinds of rationalizations were made, and the vicious drift continues. It’s the slippery slope in action. In all this, we should try to be discriminating but not discriminatory. Discriminating in the sense of being keen to distinguish between right and wrong, and choosing the best and practicable option for the good of all. Not discriminatory in the sense of not being intolerant even of those who are clearly in error, always practicing patience, understanding, and mercy. We should aim at unity and communion based on truth and charity.

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More amused than pained

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Living beyond our means NEWS reports about the current state of the Philippine external debts hit major newspapers last March 2015. These reports faded immediately as if they did not deserve any publicity at all. In fact, the state of Philippine indebtedness had not been discussed in the mainstream media by private or government resource persons. The Philippine Star reported that according to the National Treasury, the national government’s outstanding debt went up 2.8 percent to P5.75 trillion as of the end of January from P5.593 trillion a year ago. The Philippine government owed P1.92 trillion of this total indebtedness from foreign lenders while it sourced about P3.83 trillion from domestic borrowings. These figures mean that with a population of 92.34 million, every Filipino was indebted by P62, 290 at the start of 2015. The pictures are darker when we speak of the indebtedness of many local government units (LGUs) in the country. Contracting loans has become the primary mode of financing infrastructures and development programs for many LGUs. Yet, no government websites contain information on how much indebtedness do LGUs incurred in the last ten years. Sadly, these indebtedness are obligations that people have to shoulder. With no assets to sell to pay for these liabilities, the national government and the LGUs have to impose new and higher taxes to collect money for them. The need for repairs of local infrastructures and sufficient funding for socio-economic development programs is beyond dispute. Sub-standard bridges, roads, facilities and public buildings have put, and continue to put, the lives of people at risk. In addition,

Editorial & Business Office: ZENAIDA ARCADE, M.H. Del Pialr St., Brgy. Pob. 2, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa City Office: San Sebastian St.,Barangay 10, Lipa City, 4217, Philippines Batangas League for Alternative Development & Services (BLADES), Inc.

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lack of resources and inefficient public management hamper serious development programs especially in poor provinces and municipalities in the country. These are the common justifications of local government units for incurring loans with the Land Bank of the Philippines and other financial institutions. Borrowings in the name of necessity and progress have become a trend among local government units already. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the Local Government Code and the existing laws which can check whether the decision of local chief executives and their council to borrow money is justified. Nothing prevents them from making reckless decision and imposing undue burdens to their constituents. This means that unless people put up stern oppositions against the attempts of their local leaders to incur unnecessary indebtedness, they will wake up one day buried in debts and taxes that their officials have imposed upon them without their consent. Some sanity must be imposed upon this trend somehow. Safeguards have to be instituted so that officials cannot abused their prerogatives of determining when to contract loans. The Greek referendum on whether to accept EU’s bailout plan presents a good example. Since the public have to shoulder the indebtedness eventually, government borrowings should not be allowed without the consent given by the people through a plebiscite. This will insure not only public awareness about the intended loan but also the accountability of the government to its people. This will institute full financial transparency and accountability in our local government units. |

Joenald Medina Rayos

Nicetas E. Escalona

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Lifestyle Editor

Jerick M. Dorado Copy Editor Melinda R. Landicho |Minerva Padua Sarah Joy Hernandez News Reporters Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist

Atty. Roberto Iñigo Sanchez Legal Consultant Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Contributors Ronalina B. Lontoc Special Project Editor

Leo Magnaye Circulation In-Charge

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

JULY 13 - 19, 2015

OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

Stop harassments, violations of due process, privacy

RAQUEL and Mervin Toquero were having breakfast with their children at their home in Cavite last June 28, 2015, when two men who identified themselves as soldiers suddenly appeared at their kitchen door asking for Raquel. The two men accused Raquel of being a co mmuni st and handed out a piece of paper with a phone number to call if she wants to “cooperate” with authorities. The violations committed against the Toquero couple are just the latest in more than 20 similar harassment incidents against union organizers and leaders of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) and the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Raquel Toquero is a staff of Courage. While the culprits identified themselves as soldiers, they did not show their identification cards nor did they wear their uniforms. They did not have a search or arrest warrant when they entered the homes of the organizers. Worse, they even accused them of being communists. They took it upon themselves to act as accuser, judge and enforcer. While on the surface, these incidents appear to be innocuous – some of the letters did not issue direct threats – the effect that it has is far from being harmless. It is actually meant to intimidate and the seemingly tame letters are actually veiled threats. The union leaders were not simply approached; they were accosted. Why target union leaders? Well those in power, both government and corporations alike, have a strong dislike for union leaders because the latter organizes the rank and file to collectively fight for their welfare, rights and interests. Whatever the rank and file wins, the employer loses. Aside from also being an employer, the government or rather its officials are beholden to corporations. After all government officials get their campaign kitty and their perks from corporations. Progressives in the Philippines call it bureaucrat capitalism – meaning government officials use their position to make tons of money – while in the US it is called the revolving door policy: top executives in corporations get appointed in

government and officials who served corporations well are rewarded with lucrative positions when they leave the government. Does anyone still believe that President Aquino’s bosses are the Filipino masses? Should the Filipino people be alarmed about this harassment on union leaders and organizers? We should be. First the country is not under martial law and the people, union organizer or not, have rights such as the rights to due process, safety and security, privacy, freedom of association, and expression. The harassments of this scale were not done even during the Marcos dictatorship. During the Martial Law of Marcos, those suspected of going against the repressive measures of the government were placed under surveillance then arrested. But they were not approached at their homes and offices and given veiled threats. Second, this is impunity at work. If we allow the government to violate the rights of others then it would only be a matter of time before they violate our rights as well. Would you take it lightly if a government official or a member of state security forces surreptitiously enters your home, accuses you of contravening the law, and issues a veiled threat against you? All the rights that the Filipino people have now, even if just formally, such as the freedom of expression, association, due process, among others, were fought for by the people. And those in power could easily take it away from us again if we allow them. It is not only those who were victimized and their organizations that should be protesting against these clear violations of their rights. This is a concern of all freedom loving Filipinos. Because if we keep silent now, with the worsening economic, social and political crisis in the country and the world, chances are we would wake up someday and be surprised that all radio and TV stations are off the air. Then a government official would be speaking on air announcing that martial law has been declared. Never again.||

Benjie Oliveros

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Clerico-penal discipline in the Church emphasize more not only IT is not a secret but the ethical but also the neither is it a well- known moral imperative of fact that the Church all having disciplined clerical over the world has her own authorities in the Church. Penal Law in order to In the past, it was the discipline the erring standard practice that members of her own priests who err by clergy—noting well that commission against the term “clerics” include not only deacons and priests but also bishops, continence and/ or celibacy are penalized. And rightly archbishops, and cardinals. The said Penal Law which so. But now, the Pope himself made a signal categorical is basically about the im- position of disciplinary option that is duly translated into an official penal punishments is but an explicit and official admission provision specifically in conjunction with bishops. In so many words, while bishops remain subject to on the part of the Church that though gifted with holiness as a whole, the universal ecclesiastical community penal sanctions when they themselves engage in nevertheless has certain clerics or members of the Clergy immoral acts, now Pope Francis issued the new official penal provision that who for one reason or another violate any of the commandments of God and/or the mandates of Church bishops are now likewise subject to penal sanctions when Law with duly appended penal sanctions when they fail to do what is right specifically in conjunction with erring members of the clergy under their respective disobeyed. It can be said that among the more known clerical territorial jurisdictions. So it is that now, bishops incur errant acts, those against continence and/or contrary the pertinent ecclesiastical penalty not only for doing to celibacy, are their more commonly known moral wrong themselves but also for not doing what is right aberrations. Among many other obligations, clerics are as far as the members of their respective clergy are bound to abstain from carnal acts (Violation of Cleri- concerned. Reason: When bishops do not correct the erring cal Continence), and from conjugal ventures (Violation of Clerical Celibacy). And among the grave members of their clergy, this is a sin of omission which penalties for such serious misdeeds is dismissal from can readily have the following negative effects: First, it the clerical state of the cleric concerned. In short, it can scandalize the lay faithful in their respective means that the individual concerned is punished by ecclesiastical jurisdictions who look up to their priests his manda- tory expulsion from the ranks of the clergy. with respect and reverence. Second, it can scandalize Wherefore, the same individual may no longer exercise the other members of their own clergy who are living their commitment valid and licit according to their ministerial acts. Intelligent discussions and exchange of views on issues best. Third, it can R e c e nt ly are encouraged among our readers. Anyone can send scandalize the however, Pope comments or feedback about the news, features or stoseminarians who Francis formally ries published in our pages. However, the editorial board are taught about the made a new reserves the right to edit comments for clarity and brevdignity of the normative penal ity. The use of foul language, personal attacks or hate priesthood that they provision that is campaign on a person or an institution is not tolerated, have to live by when both relevant and otherwise, they will not be published. Likewise, promotordained as priests impressive. The said ing one's own agenda or interests (such as those that themselves. provision is clearly are commercial or political) are not intertained here. The intended to same policy is also applied to our social media pages.

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So what if the BBL is Constitutional? 

FR. JEROME R. SECILLANO, MPA Collection Box

THEY always say that when you throw in ten lawyers to interpret a law, you basically get ten different interpretations. It is an exaggeration for some, but definitely true for others. On the Constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for example, it is rather difficult whom to believe and what to accept as our country’s legal luminaries give practically contrasting opinions on the matter. As a consolation though, these socalled legal experts’ procrastinations will hardly matter as it is the Supreme Court, with all its sitting Justices, that will rule on the issue. The High Court’s ruling, if that happens, certainly does not speak of the absolute truth. While we presume the objectivity of our Justices, it cannot be denied that the Court simply adopts the decision of the majority even if the other Justices do not agree to it. In short, numbers do not guarantee the truth. Assuming, for the sake of argument, that the BBL hurdles these Constitutional issues, will it guarantee peace or bring about developments in Mindanao? Those supportive of the measure already admitted that it won’t but curiously, they continue to push for its passage. The Constitutionality of the BBL, to say the least, merely assures us that our honorable lawmakers are “wise” enough to craft a law that is not illegal. Anything more than that is suspect. The BBL, especially in its present form, is not a panacea to all that is bad in Mindanao. Why our lawmakers continue to simply focus on the BBL’s Constitutionality is perplexing. Why the debates do not dwell on the more practical issues like its effectiveness to combat the problems in Mindanao or its responsiveness to the needs of Mindanaoans is baffling. President Pnoy and the supporters of the measure continue to harp on giving peace a chance as if those not in favor of the BBL are not for peace. What we are hearing from the President and his blind followers are motherhood statements for peace, ironically, they themselves admitted that the measure does not guarantee such. Is it not logical to say, then, that those who are against the measure but continue to look for better alternatives are the ones genuinely for peace? If the President will be so hard-headed as to force the approval of the measure by using the powers and resources of the government, it will greatly help him if the BBL will be thoroughly studied and analyzed based on the following criteria: Effectiveness refers to whether a policy alternative results in the achievement of a valued outcome of action, that is, an objective. (William N. Dunn, Public Policy Analysis, p.224). Already they say that the BBL, at least in its present form, does not guarantee peace in Mindanao. Why don’t they refine it so that it may contain pertinent provisions that will effectively lead to peace and take away provisions that will only cause more problems later? Efficiency refers to the amount of effort required to produce a given level of effectiveness. It is synonymous with economic rationality and it is the relationship between effectiveness and effort with the latter often measured in terms of monetary costs. Policies that achieve the greatest effectiveness at the least cost are said to be efficient. (Dunn, p. 224) How do you think the BBL will fare against this criterion? It was already revealed that billions of pesos will be poured in Mindanao from the annual block grant, shares in taxes from cultivating the region’s natural resources and other income. How sure are we that those who will be elected leaders of the Bangsamoro will be less callous than their predecessors in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)? Do they really need such a big amount of money to be able to bring about development in the region? Equity is closely related with legal and social rationality and refers to the distribution of effects and effort among different groups in society. It asks, “How can a policy maximize the welfare of society and not just the welfare of particular individuals or groups”? (Dunn, p. 228) Under the BBL, we ask, “Is the welfare of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) the same as those of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the region, of the Christian minorities and of the other rebel groups like the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) or the Abu Sayyaf? Obviously not! But the government dealt exclusively with the MILF and appears headed to always acquiesce to the latter’s demands without even seriously considering the sentiments of other stakeholders in the region. Under these circumstances, is the government working for the welfare of the nation or merely for somebody else’s interests? Responsiveness refers to the extent that a policy satisfies the needs, preferences or values of particular groups. This criterion is important because a policy may satisfy all the foregoing criteria yet still fail to respond to the actual needs of a group that is supposed to benefit from a policy. (Dunn, p. 229) When we speak of a group, we refer not only to the MILF but to the Mindanaoans who will be under the Bangsamoro. What is so bothersome with the BBL is that it gave too many concessions to the MILF but spoke too little about the rights and welfare of the other stakeholders. By enumerating these criteria, my only wish is for our government to make a policy for peace and development in Mindanao that is both inclusive and sustainable. The Mindanaoans deserve a policy that is not only Constitutional but something effective, efficient, equitable, and responsive to their aspirations. I am not undermining the significance of the BBL’s Constitutionality but what, then, if it is Constitutional yet lacks the capacity to achieve peace and development? Like us: www.facebook .com/Balikas

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Increase the potential of your business! Advertise with us. Email us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com JULY 13 - 19, 2015

BUSINESS

‘Kontrabandong karne, patuloy na ipinupuslit pa rin sa bansa’ - Briones PORT OF BATANGAS – Hiniling ng isang mambabatas sa Kawanihan ng Adwana na imbestigahan ang umano’y lumalalang smuggling ng karne sa bansa. Sinabi ni Congressman Nicanor Briones ng party-list Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) na may mga natatanggap siyang impormasyon na may mga malalking negosyante na patuloy na nagpupuslit ng mga karneng baka, baboy at manok mula sa ibayong dagat at minamarkahan lamang na “animal fat.” Aniya, humigit-kumulang s a 20 refrigerated containers na naglalaman ng mga kontrabando ang naipupuslit sa mga daungan ng Kalakhang Maynila araw-araw. “Binabayan nila ng mula P120,000 hanggang P140,000 per container ang mga ganid at corrupt na opisyal ng BOC,” pahayag ni

Briones sa isang himpilan ng radio. Ayon pa kay Briones, isang negosyante na may kapital na P50,000 lamang ay nakapagpupuslit ng may P600-milyong halaga ng karne. Ayon pa sa mambabatas, patuloy na nalulugi ang pamahalaan ng may P12-bilyong halaga ng customs duties and tariff taun-taon dahil sa ismagling, bagaman at inamin ng kongresista na ang naturang halaga ay kaniyang pagtaya lamang. Idinagdag pa ni briones na dati na niyang ipinabatid kina dating Komisyuner Ruffy Biazon at dating Komisyuner John Sevilla ngunit patuloy pa rin ang naturang iligalidad. “Umaasa tayong mabibigyang kalutasan ito ng ksalukuyang komisyuner ng BOC,” pahayag pa ni Briones.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Romblon declares DMCI persona non grata MANILA — The local government of Romblon has barred DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) for allegedly blocking the operation of a diesel plant in the island. Romblon declared DMCI persona non grata after the said plant blocked by the company lost a bidding. DMCI “is disregarding the longstanding need of the people for a stable supply of electricity,” a resolution submitted to the Energy Regulatory Commission stated. The resolution indicated that 200,000 residents of the province opposed the company’s efforts to stop the construction of an eightmegawatt diesel power plant. “This selfish vested interest of (DMCI) disrupts the delivery of basic government services, business and tourism industry, thereby seriously affecting the well-being of more than

200,000 residents on the island of Tablas due to daily power interruptions,” it said. “Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is resolved to declare (DMCI) persona non grata in the municipalities within the franchise area of Tielco (Tablas Island Electric Cooperative),” it added. The resolution was signed by Mayors Gerardo Montojo of Romblon; Baltazar Firmalo of Odiongan; Artemio Madrid of Sta. Maria; Jovencio Mayor Jr. of Ferrol; Leila Arboleda of Looc; Fernando Robillos of San Andres; Emmanuel Madrona of San Agustin; Robert Fabella of Calatrava; Fe Asher Visca of Sta. Fe; Eddie Lota of Alcantara; Ronnie Samson of San Jose; and Salem Tansingco of San Fernando. DMCI is the operator of the Calaca Power Plant in Batangas.|

FOOD SECURITY. Patuloy ang pagpapalawak ng pagtatanim ng talong at iba pang gulay ng mga kooperatiba ng mga magsasaka sa Lunsod Batangas sa ilalim ng program ng pamahlaang lunsod ukol sa food security na tinututukan ng Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS).| PALAKAT PHOTO

BIR operatives seize illegal cigarettes in Batangas City BATANGAS City – In what is looming to be just the start of a series of no-nonsense enforcement activities by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against the proliferation and distribution of illegal cigarettes, the Large Taxpayers Service (LTS) Excise Tax revenue enforcers of the tax agency swooped at three (3) establishments allegedly selling and supplying cigarettes not bearing the required internal revenue stamps in this City south of Manila last week. Led by LTS Assistant Commissioner Nestor S. Valeroso and Excise Tax Head Revenue Executive Assistant Teresita M. Angeles, three

ANG BATANGAS UNA SA EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. Pinangunahan ni Batangas Congressman Raneo Abu at mga opisyales ng bayan ng Tingloy sa pamumuno ni Mayor Larry Alvarez ang pagtatapos ng may 100 Abu Scholars ng Special Training for Employment Program sa pamamagitan ng TESDA. Inaasahang magbibigay ng agarang trabaho at kabuhayan ang programa sa mga nagtapos na kabataan ng Tingloy. Idinaos din ang People’s Day ni Congressman Abu sa nasabing bayan matapos ang okasyon.|TMA

(3) composite teams from the LTS and fraud investigators from the tax agency’s National Investigation Division (NID) led by its Chief Sixto C. Dy, Jr. searched the premises of the subject establishments to validate and verify the veracity of the confidential information contained in a denunciation letter provided to the Bureau. Moving in lightning and wellcoordinated fashion, the teams’

validation and verification disclosed that locally manufactured cigarettes not bearing the required internal revenue stamps were indeed being sold. Likewise uncovered in the course of the extended search were imported cigarettes such as RGD, D & B and Farstar being sold but are not registered (with the BIR) for distribution or sale in the Philippines.

>>>OPERATION....turn to P/7

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“Shell’s Batangas refinery upgrade on track” - Chua “We are on schedule. Hopefully, we could finish the upgrade by the end of the year,” Chua told reporters. Shell is expanding its 110,000barrels per day (bpd) refinery in Tabangao, Batangas to meet new fuel standards that would take effect in 2016. The Euro 4 standards require fuel to have significantly low amounts of sulfur and benzene. Euro 4 is a globally accepted European emission standard for vehicles. At the same time, Chua said Shell will be importing Euro 4 fuel if the demand is beyond the plant’s refining capacity. “Initially, we might import 20 percent of our total sales because that will be brought straight to Cagayan de Oro, our North Mindanao facility,” he said. He said Shell’s import facility in Cagayan de Oro is expected to be

completed by October this year. “We will finish in advance because as originally planned, that will be completed by the end of the year, but the contractor is doing very well,” Chua added. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued Department Administrative Order No. 2015-14 which accelerates the implementation of its directive in 2010 ordering compliance with the more exacting Euro 4 emission standard. Instead of the original January 2016 deadline, the DENR advanced the implementation to July 2015. This means that starting July, oil companies should start selling Euro 4-compliant fuels, which are considered cleaner than the current Euro 2 standard that have been marketed since 2008.|ENERGY.COM

JULY 13 - 19, 2015

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

8 prelates, a pastor and 2 former ssolons file petition in Supreme Court THE concerned and courageous Archbishop of Lipa Ramon C. Arguelles, Archbishop Emeritus of Davao, Fernando Capalla, Archbishop of Zamboanga, Romulo de la Cruz, Archbishop of Caceres, Rolando Tirona , Archbishop Emeritus of Lingayen Oscar Cruz, along with the Bishop of Butuan, Juan De Dios Pueblos, Bishop of Bayombong Ramon Villena, and Bishop of Nava, Filomeno Bactol with Former Senator Francisco Tatad, former Congressman Glen Chong, and Pastor Art Corpuz filed a crucially important petition in the Supreme Court.

The petition is for certiorari and prohibition with preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order seeking to assail and stop COMELEC's unconstitutional juggling of billions in taxpayers' money intended to lease with option to purchase 93,977 new variant Optical Mark Reader/Precinct Count Optical Scanner for PHP 12.641 billion pesos in gross violation of the 2015 General Approriations Act, Article VI, Section 25(5) of the 1987 Constitution,and the rulings of the Supreme Court in Araullo, et al. vs. Aquino, III, et al. (DAP cases) and Pabillo,

et al. vs. Comelec, to the injury and insult of the people, not to mention the resulting discard of the 81,000 old PCOS which had already cost PHP 9.0 billion pesos in lease and purchase costs. The other option to just repair and refurbish the 81,000+ old PCOS pegged at PHP 2.07 billion pesos or just a fraction of the cost to lease new ones has been effectively scuttled with the failure of a bidding announced last Tuesday, 30 June, 2015. The prayer for preliminary injuction/temporary restraining order seeks to allow for a debate/oral arguments

of the merits and demerits of the legal issues brought before the Supreme Court. The petitioners do not seek to stop the elections. They are fighting for transparent and credible elections because in the whole gamut of public governance, elections should be the starting point. In choosing wisely, the people collectively benefit from a wise choice and in choosing wrongly, the people collectively suffer from a wrong choice,but chances are given to correct the situation after a term.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

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Gasoline dealer from Batangas charged with willful failure to pay delinquent account THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against a delinquent individual taxpayer from Batangas for Willful Failure to Pay Tax under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code). Charged for violating Section 255 Code was Rogelio E. Silang whose registered addresses are at Sto. Domingo St., Brgy. 11, Poblacion, Calatagan, Batangas and Zobel St., Calatagan,

Batangas. He is primarily engaged in the dealership of gasoline, diesel and other fuel products as a franchise owner of Petron Gas Station and conducts his operations under the business name RAJNOR’S Fuel Station & Gen. Merchandise. He also operates RAJNOR’S Mart, and RAJNOR’S Sari-sari Store. Silang was sued for a total deficiency tax liability for taxable year 2008 in the sum of P3.11 million, inclusive of increments, broken down as

............................................................................. <<<LIFETIMES... from P/1

SM Malls staged Green Film Festival

Representatives from the Deped, Division of Lipa Office and Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa President Dr. Armando Mendoza also graced the event at Lipa event. While environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Lunagave a message to SM Batangas attendees as she emphasized on the importance of simple acts which can result to a big impact in preservation of the environment that students

can do mentioning a simple step of proper waste disposal and water conservation that should start in every household. In partnership with the Department of Education, USAID, The Youth Commission and SM Supermalls the GFF will be a monthly event in all of SM Malls and targets to reach a total of one hundred thousand students until the end of the year. |

.............................................................................. <<<OPERATION... from P/6

BIR operatives seize illegal cigarettes in Batangas City Approximately about 94 cases (boxes) were confiscated and issued apprehension slips. Inventory count revealed almost 37,305 packs of imported cigarettes such as RGD, D&B, Farstar, Pine Prime and L&D, as well as 5,130 packs of locally manufactured cigarettes (i.e. Marlboro Ice Blast, Marlboro Black, Marlboro Lights, Fortune Int’l Extra, Marvel Filter king, Westpoint Filter King, Champion Menthol, Winston Lights, Winnsboro, Pentagon, Dallas Filter King), were seized by BIR operatives. New internal revenue stamps affixed to cigarettes handled during the search were likewise checked for their authenticity through the use

of the Taggant Reader and Mobile Verification Devices issued to excise tax revenue officers and validated by APO Production, Inc. and the Bureau’s Internal Revenue Stamp Integrated System (IRSIS). Based on the results of the validation and verification made, the BIR will immediately collect deficiency excise tax on the confiscated cigarettes not bearing the required internal revenue stamp, impose administrative penalties, and file the necessary criminal action against the erring establishments. The operation was made pursuant to a Mission Order signed by Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares.|

follows: Income Tax - P1.86 million; Value Added Tax P1.23 million; Withholding Tax – P16,829.42; and Compromise Penalty – P5,000.00. BIR San Pablo City records of investigation showed that the abovementioned respondent was served the corresponding Letter of Authority (LOA), Preliminary Assessment Notice (PAN), and Formal Letter of Demand (FLD) with Details of Discrepancies but failed to protest said assessments, hence making the same final, executory, and demandable. The subsequent issuance of Preliminary Collection Letter (PCL), Final Notice Before Seizure (FNBS),

Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy (WDL), and Final Demand Before Suit (FDBS) were ignored by the respondent, as the said tax assessments remained unpaid. The respondent’s obstinate failure and continued refusal to pay his long overdue deficiency tax assessments, despite repeated demands, constitute willful failure to pay the taxes due to the government. The case against Silang is the 376th case filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of Revenue Region No. 9, San Pablo City.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

PA L A IS IPA N 1

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51 PAHALANG 1 Soli 6 Mangha 10 Pagtupad sa iniuutos 11 Gamit sa kasal 12 Grupo ng anim 13 Katay 14 Tasmania: daglat 15 Isang Barangay sa Valenzuela City 17 Pabango sa pagkain 19 Pera ng Albania 20 Petrolyo 22 Salmo 26 Samahan ng guro at magulang 28 Alagad ng simbahan 29 Tahol ng aso sa malayo 33 Busal 34 Pulgada 35 Uri ng tela 37 Wala (Ilokano) 38 Malaking langgam 39 Mahabang “ng” 40 Tagpuan

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52 PABABA 1 Isang prutas: Ingles 2 Pagiging maalinsangan 3 Dating mayor ng Maynila 4 Paring muslim 5 Estero 6 Takip-mata 7 Leksyon 8 Salat 9 Dahong tuyo ng punong mais o tubo 10 Tibay 16 Pula: Ingles 18 Anak 21 Land Transportation Office 23 Lalawigan sa Calabarzon 24 Asinan 25 Damdaming di malamuyot 27 Alsa 29 Unang lalaki 30 Dagat-dagatan 31 Tubig mula sa langit 32 Talo 36 Giya ng turista

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Ngayon mo mauunawaan na hindi lahat ng ugali ay katulad sa sarili. Mapapatunayan na ang pangako sa iyo ay hindi matutupad. Kung hindi makapagpipigil, may makakasagupa ng hindi pinapangarap na makabangga. Maghunos-dili. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 12, 28, 39 at pale yellow. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Aanihin ang itinanim. Kung ano ang ginawa sa nakalipas ay siyang mangyayari ngayon. Iwasan ang sobrang mapaghinala sa kapareha o kapwa. May dapat pasalamatan na may kinalaman sa nakaraan. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 14, 15, 37 at violet. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Kung magiging positibo ang pananaw, magsisimulang maging maayos ang takbo ng buhay. Maisasakatuparan ang binitawang pangako. Huwag kalimutang magpasalamat sa Poong Maykapal sa mga biyayang tinatamasa. Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 13, 27, 36 at pink. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Ipagpaliban kung anong mahalagang binabalak dahil hindi magbubunga ng maganda. Pansamantalang ibaling ang atensyon sa paglilinis o pag-aayos ng bahay o kagamitan. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 12, 28, 35 at sky blue. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Malakas ang kutob at positibo ang kalalabasan sa anumang gawain o gagawin. May mapapala sa gawain, maliban kung labag sa batas ng lipunan at ng langit. Kahit sa akalang mahirap, sunggaban dahil d’yan ang simula ng pag-unlad. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 10, 21, 25 at bright yellow. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Magiging suliranin ang pinansiyal. Simulan ang masinsinang pagbabudget dahil ito lamang ang tanging paraan para makaahon sa kagipitan. Huwag sayangin ang mga oras kung ano ang magagawa ngayon. Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 18, 21, 36 at pink. Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Ilang pagbabago ang mangyayari sa aspeto ng pagibig dahil tiyak na ang damdamin. Kung palaging hindi nagkakaunawaan, walang dahilan para manatili sa relasyon. Pero kung gusto itong maisalba, ibaba ang pride. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 6, 14, 18 at jade green. Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb. 18) - Magiging mapusok ka ngayon at kung walang disiplina sa sarili, hahantong sa kapahamakan. Iwasan ang mga barkada dahil magiging daan ito ng iyong kapahamakan. Iwasan ang maglasing at magsugal dahil ito ang magiging dahilan ng iyong pagsisisi. Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 17, 21, 23 at scarlet. Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Ituloy ang mga binabalak dahil magiging positibo ang resulta, huwag lamang ang labag sa batas ng tao. Kung may personal na lakad, huwag magdalawang-isip dahil magtatagumpay. Iwasan ang makipag-date dahil hahantong sa hindi pagkakaunawaan. Iwasan ang alitan tungkol sa selos. Lucky numbers at color ay 21, 24, 30, 39 at yellow. Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Ang walang imik, walang pagkakamali. Kaunting salita, kaunti ang pagkakamali. Kung madaldal maraming pagkakamaling magagawa. Alalahanin na walang sinuman ang nakakaligtas sa batas ng karma. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 6, 25, 36 at red. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Maaaring madawit ka sa kagagawan ng iba ngunit maiiwasan kung magiging alerto at mapagmasid. Ayusin ang pagganap sa tungkulin para walang mapuna ang nakakataas. Lucky numbers at color for the day ay 4, 6, 31, 39 at fuschia. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Mahalagang pag-usapan ang tungkol sa lumalabong relasyon, pagsasama o negosyo. Hinahon ang kailangan sa pagresulba ng suliranin. Madaragdag sa problema ang perang hiniram o pinahiram na hindi mababayaran. Lucky numbers at color for the day ay 3, 9, 12, 31 at indigo.|

Share with us Special Moments in your LifeTimes! Email your photos and details to balikasonline@yahoo.com JULY 13 - 19, 2015

F.E.S.T.

>>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

SM Malls staged Green Film Festival BATANGAS -- Now on its third year, all SM and WalterMart Cinemas around the country simultaneously staged the Green Film Festival (GFF) last July 7. GFF is a project of SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. It aims to reach students as SM and Waltermart cinemas gave free film viewings of environmentally themed films. This time, a documentary film “Pagbangon” was shown to a total of 518 students from SM City Batangas and 700

students from SM City Lipa. “Pagbangon” is a documentary film, produced by GMA network. It shows how the Yolanda survivors in Tacloban and Samar were able to begin a new life after a devastating typhoon hit their province last 2013. Partner schools are Batangas State University, University of Batangas and Divine Grace Escuela Casa for SM Batangas. While for SM Lipa, partner schools are Kolehiyo ng Lunsod ng Lipa and STI College.>>>LIFETIMES....turn to P/7

KASIYAHAN sa gitna ng kalamidad. Hindi alintan ng mga kabtaang ito ang iba’t ibang uri ng sakit na maaari nilang makuha sa paglalaro sa baha.. Malakas man ang buhos ng ulan at lubog na sa tubig-baha ang improvised basketball court na ito, tuloy ang ligaya ng mga kabataan.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO